Backyard Transformation Phase 1 (more like phase 4 but first phase to be blogged)

We have been anxious to create a much less muddy backyard for some time, we are finally getting closer to that dream! Here are a few photos to show the progress. The area of the yard we are focusing on is the very sunny right side. In the back we have a 3 stage compost bin (made by Aaron), recently fenced off with an adorable picket fence, created by my amazing Dad and the two of them made some raised beds for a garden. We also recycled truck tires off of my Dads big rig and Aaron turned them into raised beds as well. We have tomatoes, herbs, peppers and asparagus so far. We were late in planting so thus far the garden is a little sad...but next year it will be amazing! In front of the picket fence we transplanted some drought hardy firecracker bushes and in the corner we have our cactus barrel (vision of my creative genius Momma), behind it we have some other sun loving plants that will grow big and tall with bright flowers! One is an Esperanza...the other I do not know the name of but it is beautifully fragrant. The large expanse of dirt will soon be sun loving St. Augustine grass (transplanted from my folks' house...they are going xeroscape.) Aaron is in the process of forming a crushed granite path that will go from the back fence up to the entrance to the garden in the back and along the house he is trenching for a dry stream bed to help with draining when we have our lovely downpours. We are so stoked to soon have a kid friendly yard for Emke to frolic in! I will post more pics as things develop!

Emke entertained herself while we worked.

This garden bed was removed to make way for the dry stream bed. We have transplanted all the plants...they are taking awhile to perk back up.

Mom helping remove the rocks (more like boulders) from our soil after tilling.

Aaron clearing for the granite pathway

Pake tilling up the soil.

The dogs water bucket makes for a good splash!

Brock says "you swim in my water bowl, I lay in your pool"

Rocks for the stream bed

Day two

Just thought you should see how beautiful the Texas sky is!

My cinder block flower bed. Those are Oak Leaf Hydrangeas, I also have ferns and mint in there. (Mint to help with mosquito's) We planted draping succulents in the block holes ;-)

Little trumpet girl

She gets more fun by the day with new sounds and facial expressions. This video cracks me up!

Up, up and Away!

 Trying to pull up on Daddy

 Pulling up on the toy box!

Standing all on her own! She pushed herself up on her feet with no help from Daddy, we were shocked! I think this face is a combo of excited and a little scared. :-) She is growing up so fast!

Oh, and can you tell she LOVES Daddy play time??

7 Months

We had Emke's pictures taken at my moms house the other day by her sweet neighbor Joann. I love how they turned out. Here is a small sample of my favs.

Now, off with the bow!

We have a crawler!

Just readin' my morning paper mom.

First experience with solids, it was messy!

Fun at the river!

Emke & Brock

These two love each other :-)